Broccoli Rigatoni

Brighten up your pasta night with Broccoli Rigatoni, a quick and flavorful dish that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. Tender rigatoni is tossed with sautéed broccoli florets, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, all coated in a light, savory sauce made from reserved pasta water, olive oil, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of zesty lemon zest adds a refreshing layer of brightness, while extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil provide the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant and comforting recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Packed with fiber and flavor, it’s a delicious way to turn pantry staples into an irresistible meal the whole family will love. Keywords: Broccoli Rigatoni recipe, quick pasta dishes, easy dinner ideas, vegetarian pasta recipes, healthy comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 units garlic cloves
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions for al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and return the broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well coated in the sauce.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(926.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1191.0

Total Fat 57.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3168.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 8.1g
Protein 49.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 668.6mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 246.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 41.9%